Tie rod adjustment tool

ABSTRACT

A tool for use in rotatably adjusting the slotted sleeve of a vehicle wheel tie rod assembly. A pair of pivotally connected jaws are positioned about the sleeve with a tooth extension member engaged within the slot. A bolt is provided to draw the jaws together thereby firmly engaging the tooth within the slot and to spread the sleeve so as partially to free the same from the rods retained thereby. The sleeve is tightly engaged within a vise clamping area of the tool so that the sleeve may be rotated upon rotation of the tool.

United States Patent 1191 Romak Oct. 23, 1973 TIE ROD ADJUSTMENT men [76] Inventor: Albert Romak, 429 Mayor Dr.,

Northlake, 111. 60164 [22] Filed: May 27, 1971 [2]] Appl. No; 147,362

[521 (LS. Cl. 81/90 R, 81/118 [51] Int. Cl... B25b 13/02, B251) 13/56, B25b 13/30 [58] Field of Search 81/90 R, 90 C, 118, 81/117, 111; 24/125 K, 135 K, 132.15, 285

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,407,990 9/1946 Lurie 81/118 1,403,978 1 1922 Rulfs 81/118 820,866 5/1906 Harris 81/118 D1 18,588 1 1940 Blackburn.. 24 135 K 3,430,527 3/1969 Romak 1 9011 Shultz 1 81/90 Kile 81/64 Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr. Attorney-Silverman & Cass [57] ABSTRACT A tool for use in rotatably adjusting the slotted sleeve of a vehicle wheel tie rod assembly. A pair of pivotally connected jaws are positioned about the sleeve with a tooth extension member engaged within the slot. A bolt is provided to draw the jaws together thereby firmly engaging the tooth within the slot and to spread the sleeve so as partially to free the same from the rods retained thereby. The sleeve is tightly engaged within a vise clamping area of the tool so that the sleeve may be rotated upon rotation of the tool.

1 Claim, 5 Drawing; Figures PATENIEU B8 2 3 I975 3 7 6 6' .1 8 l U INVENTOR ALBERT ROMA/f ATTORNEYS 1 TIE ROD ADJUSTMENT TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to tools, and more particularly, to a clamping-type of adapter tool for use in the adjustment of vehicle wheel tie rod assemblies.

2. Description of the Prior Art Steering systems for wheeled vehicles, such as automobiles, are subject to occasional misalignment and therefore require periodic adjustment of the linkage members which are associated therewith. Such systems ordinarily employ at least one internally threaded adjustment sleeve which joins the threaded tie rods of the vehicles front wheels to the steering linkages therefor. The sleeve includes a longitudinally extending opening which provides a tool-engaging slot extending the length thereof. When adjustment of the tie rod or rods is required, a standard spanner-type wrench or like too] having a single tooth for engagement within the slot of the sleeve is employed to rotate the sleeve, thereby changing the longitudinal spacing between the steering tie rods in turnbuckle fashion to effect adjustment of the wheel alignment.

Use of a single tooth spanner wrench to effect adjustment of the vehicle wheel tie rod assembly has inherent disadvantages due to the congested nature of the area of the vehicle undercarriage where the steering system adjustment parts are located. The orientation of the slot on the adjustment sleeve is usually such that manipulation of the spanner wrench is very difficult, if not impossible. Most adjustments of the steering system require multiple turns of the sleeve, and since the same is provided with but one slot, repeated engagement and disengagement of the work too] on the sleeve is required to effect complete adjustment. The repeated engagement and disengagement of the tool relative to the sleeve, being a tedious task, particularly in close quarters where frequently less than one-quarter turn at a time is possible, prompted continued attempts to provide a more suitable adjustment tool.

'Adapter tools which overcome certainof the disadvantages inherent in the use of single tooth spanner wrenches to accomplish the required adjustment have been devised. One such structure as disclosed in U.S.- Pat. No. 3,430,527 issued to the same inventor as the inventor herein, in which a split nut adapter tool is provided for slidable fit over the adjustment sleeve with a radially disposed key formation engaging the slot in the sleeve. The split nut has two portions which are interconnected about the sleeve by cooperating dovetail joints to retain the tool' upon the sleeve, and the tool has an external configuration suitable for engagement by a standard open end wrench for rotation of the sleeve. I

The structure of the aforementioned patent, while providing a solution to some of the problems inherent with the use of prior art single tooth spanner wrenches, does not completely alleviate all of the disadvantages attendant thereto. The nature of the split nut is such that it is adapted to engage only one size of adjustment sleeve, thus requiring the user thereof to maintain an assortment of sizes of split nut tools for use with sleeves of variant sizes. Further, since the split nut is of twopart construction, care must be taken to maintain the tool parts together when not in use. Additionally, the

external configuration of the split nut is required to be of relatively large cross-sectional dimension, thus requiring the use of an oversized open end wrench in conjunction therewith. Still further, the split nut is required to be applied to the adjustment. sleeve-of the vehicle steering linkage in an axial direction, that is, along the elongate dimension of the sleeve, and since a tight fit of the nut upon the sleeve is required to prevent slippage, awkward manipulation and exertion of oppositely directed forces upon the nut are required in order to secure the same on the sleeve prior to use thereof.

Another pertinent structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,572,184, in which a too] having two portions hingedly connected for positioning about a split sleeve is provided. The structure of this patent also does not provide an adequate solution to the problems discussed above. This structure requires the use of a special oversized open end wrench to effect adjustments of the split sleeve after the tool has been positioned thereon. Further, the tool is not adaptable for use in connection with many sizes of sleeves. The patent does disclose an insert member to be used when a small sleeve is to be adjusted, butthis insert member only enables the tool to be used with two sleeve sizes; adjustment of a third or further sized sleeve requires the use of an alternate size tool.

In addition to the above, a further difficulty encountered in connection with adjustment of the vehicle wheel steering linkages arises by reason of the corrosion and rust which normally has accummulated within the threaded joint between the adjustment sleeve and the tie rods retained therein. By reason thereof, it often is necessary to spread, at least partially, the adjustment sleeve along its slot so as to loosen the sleeve and free the same from the corroded bond with the tie rods to permit rotation thereof. Prior art single tooth spanner wrenches do not provide a solution to this problem, and the tools of the aforementioned patents do not enable exertion of the required leverage upon the adjustment sleeve so as to effect the required spreading and freeing thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION tool for engagement within the slot of the adjustment sleeve. When the jaws are drawn together, the tooth engages the slot and spreads the same so as at least partially to free the sleeve from the tie rods retained therein and to firmly retain the tool upon the sleeve for rotation thereof in adjustment fashion. Externally positioned nuts are secured to the outer surface of the tool for receipt of a standard open end adjustment wrench to enable rotation of the tool thereby rotating the adjustment sleeve.

Accordingly, a principal object of the invention is to provide a tie rod adjustment tool having pivotallyconnected jaw portions adapted to be positioned upon the adjustment sleeve of a vehicle wheel tie rod assembly with a slot-engaging tooth provided thereon for spreading the sleeve and maintaining tight engagement of the tool thereupon.

An additional object of the invention is to provide such a tool which is adapted for use with adjustment sleeves of varying cross-sectional dimension.

A still further object of the invention is to provide such a tool which includes means on the external surface thereof for convenient receipt of a standard open end adjustment wrench to enable convenient operation of the tool within the confines of a highly congested area.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will occur to those skilled in this art as a description of the invention is set forth hereinafter in connection with the drawing which illustrates the preferred embodiments thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment tool of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the vehicle wheel tie rod adjustment sleeve of a wheeled vehicle with a portion thereof broken away to show the tie rods retained thereby, and with the tool of the invention illustrated in partially assembled condition thereon;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the tool of the invention in position upon the adjustment sleeve of a tie rod assembly, but prior to tight engagement thereon;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the tool tightly engaged upon the adjustment sleeve with portions thereof spread in partially separated condition from the tie rod, and with a standard open end adjustment wrench illustrated in phantom outline in positioned upon the tool; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tool of the invention illustrating an alternate embodiment thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 2, there is illustrated the pertinent portions of a vehicle wheel tie rod assembly in connection with which the invention is adapted for use. A vehicle wheel tie rod is provided with a suitable coupling member 12 for connection with the steering wheel control portions of the vehicle. The latter elements do not form a part of the invention herein and therefore have not been further illustrated. A second tie rod member 14 which is of substantially the same construction as tie rod 10 also is illustrated. The two tie rods l0, 14 comprise the tie rod assembly of the vehicle and are externally threaded about end portions 16, 20 thereof, the threaded portions of each tie rod being engaged together in aligned relationship by sleeve member or adjusting collar 22. The sleeve member 22 is internally threaded and functions as the adjustment means for the spacing between the tie rods 10, 14. The threaded portions 16, 20 of each tie rod are in opposite directions and thus, rotation of sleeve 22 will serve to separate or pull together the tie rods 10, 14 in turnbuckle fashion to change the axial spacing therebetween.

Sleeve member 22 is axially split along the length thereof to provide an axial V-shaped slot 24, and at least one clamp member 26 is positioned proximate the end of sleeve 22 for the purpose of tightly engaging sleeve 22 upon tie rod 10 and maintaining threaded engagement therewith after adjustment has been made. A second clamp (not shown) normally is positioned in like manner proximate the other end of sleeve 22 for the purpose of retaining tie rod 14 within sleeve 22. Each clamp 26 has a bolt assembly 28 for maintenance of tight engagement.

The tie rod adjustment tool of the invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 30. Tool 30 includes a first jaw portion 32 and a second jaw portion 34, the jaw portions 32 and 34 being pivotally connected with respect to each other about pivot pin 36. For this purpose, jaw portion 32 is provided with a pair of extension fingers 38, 40 and jaw portion 34 is provided with a single extension finger 42 which is adapted for cooperation with the fingers 38, 40, with a pivot pin 36 passing therebetween. The free ends 44, 46 of jaw portions 32, 34 therefore are movable relative each other so as to open or close the clamping or vise gripping area 48 provided on the inner surface of tool 30.

In the embodiment shown, the inner configuration of clamping area 48 is of generally hexagonal configuration. However, it is to be understood that the hexagonal configuration is for purposes of illustration only and that the vise area 48 could assume a variety of configurations including one having a circular cross section.

The tool 30 is used by positioning jaw portion 32 upon the external surface of sleeve member 22, with portion 32 disposed opposite the axial slot 24. Jaw portion 34 has provided on the inner surface thereof a substantially V-shaped tooth or extension member 50 adapted for insertion within the axial slot 24 of the sleeve member 22 at any convenient location along the length thereof. Jaw portion 34 next is pivoted about pivot point 36 so that sleeve member 22 substantially is retained within vise area 48 with tooth 50 matingly engaged within slot 24, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Tightening bolt 52 then is inserted through passageway 54 proximate the free end 44 of jaw portion 32 and is threadedly engaged within threaded hole 56 in jaw portion 34.

As seen in FIG. 4, tightening of the bolt 52 within hole 56 causes thebolt head portion 58 to abut the outer surface ofjaw part 32 and draws jaw portion 34 toward jaw portion 32, thus forcing tooth 50 into slot 24. Bolt head 58 will ride upon surface 60 of jaw portion 32 as the bolt is tightened. Allowance for the change in position of the bolt is provided by reason of the elongate longitudinal dimension of passageway 54 in jaw portion 32.

As the jaw portions 32, 34 are drawn one toward the other, tooth member 50 is forced into axial slot 24 thereby spreading the sleeve 22 about the slot 24. Spreading of sleeve 22 by reason of tooth 50 frees the sleeve partially from tie rod 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4, so as to permit rotation of the same in the event rust and corrosion 62 has formed between the sleeve and the tie rod. Tightening of the jaws relative each other also serves to secure the tool 30 upon sleeve 22 by reason of the clamping of sleeve 22 within vise area 48 so as to permit rotation of sleeve 22 when tool 30 is rotated.

Once the tool 30 has been tightly secured upon sleeve 22 with tooth 50 engaged in slot 24, as shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve may be rotated in adjustment fashion by rotation of tool 30. For the purpose of facilitating rotation of tool 30, adjustment nuts 64 are provided on the outer surface at each end ofjaw portions 32, 34 for convenient receipt of a standard open-end wrench 66. One nut is provided at each corner of the tool 30 so that at least one of said nuts is readily accessible to the user in applying torque to the tool 30 no matter how congested the area of operation is.

It will be appreciated that the tool 30 of the invention conveniently may be applied to an adjustment sleeve 22 in very cramped quarters merely by pivoting the jaws 32, 34 about the sleeve and securing the same with bolt 52. For purposes of conveniently positioning the bolt 52 upon the tool 30, passageway 54 may be replaced by an open ended U-shaped slot 68 which is provided proximate the free end 44 of the jaw portion 32, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the free end 46 of jaw 34 has been provided with a rotatable bolt receiving member 70 having'a threaded hole 72. Hole 72 serves the same function as hole 56 provided in the free end of jaw 34 illustrated 1 in FIG. 1. The structure of FIG. 5 is advantageous in that positioning of tool 30 upon sleeve 22 does not require complete removal of the bolt 52 from the tool but rather, bolt 52 may remain positioned within member 70 and securement of the tool 30 upon sleeve 22 can be accomplished merely by swinging the bolt so that the portion thereof which is maintained within slot 68 is positioned therein. In all other respects, operation of the tool of FIG. 5 is the same as that disclosed in the previously described embodiment.

It will be apparent that both forms of the invention may be used with a variety of sizes and cross-sectional configurations of adjustment sleeves. This is due to the fact that the vise area 48 of tool 30 is adjustable and limited only by the elongate dimension of bolt 52, a variety of lengths of which may be used with the tool.

It also will be apparent that tightening of jaw portions 32, 34 about sleeve 22 will force tooth 50 into slot 24, thereby spreading the adjustment sleeve along its slot so as to loosen the sleeve and free the same from the corrosion and rust 62 which may be present within the threaded joint between the sleeve and tie rods retained therein, thereby enabling rotation of the sleeve.

What it is desired to be secured by letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A tool for use in rotatably adjusting a tubular sleeve having a pair of rods threadedly retained thereby, the sleeve having an open slot extending along the length thereof, said tool comprising, a first jaw portion having a pair of apertured extension fingers on one end thereof, a second jaw portion having a single apertured extension finger on one end thereof, said jaw portions being pivotally connected one with the other with the single extension finger of the second jaw portion disposed between the pair of extension fingers on the firstjaw portion and a pivot pin passing through the apertures thereof, each jaw portion having a free end opposite the pivotal connection, said jaw portions defining a vise-clamping area of generally hexagonal crosssectional configuration on the inner surfaces thereof, said vise-clamping area being adjustable to accommodate a variety of sized sleeves, the tool having opposite parallel side surfaces disposed normal to said viseclamping area, one of said jaw portions having a tooth of generally V-shaped configuration radially extending within said clampingarea, at least one wrench engagement protruding nut provided on one of said side surfaces, the free end of, one of said jaw portions having a threaded hole provided therein, a bolt having a threaded end positioned to be tightened in said hole and a bolt head on the opposite end, the free end of the other of said jaw portions having a passageway to permit passage of the bolt therethrough, said passageway being elongated along the longitudinal dimension of said jaw portion to permit the bolt to move radially within the passageway as it is tightened, the outer surface of said last defined jaw portion being of generally arcuate configuration, the bolt head being positioned to ride upon said arcuate outer surface as the bolt is tightened, such that the tool is positioned upon the sleeve with the vise-clamping area engaging the sleeve and the tooth engaging the slot and the bolt is tightened in the hole to draw said jaw portions together in viselike fashion about the sleeve with the bolt head riding on said arcuate surface whereupon the tool will tightly engage the sleeve and the tooth will spread the sleeve about the slot to at least partially separate the sleeve from the rods and rotation of the tool by application of a force to said wrench engagement nut will impart rotation to said sleeve. 

1. A tool for use in rotatably adjusting a tubular sleeve having a pair of rods threadedly retained thereby, the sleeve having an open slot extending along the length thereof, said tool comprising, a first jaw portion having a pair of apertured extension fingers on one end thereof, a second jaw portion having a single apertured extension finger on one end thereof, said jaw portions being pivotally connected one with the other with the single extension finger of the second jaw portion disposed between the pair of extension fingers on the first jaw portion and a pivot pin passing through the apertures thereof, each jaw portion having a free end opposite the pivotal connection, said jaw portions defining a vise-clamping area of generally hexagonal cross-sectional configuration on the inner surfaces thereof, said vise-clamping area being adjustable to accommodate a variety of sized sleeves, the tool having opposite parallel side surfaces disposed normal to said vise-clamping area, one of said jaw portions having a tooth of generally V-shaped configuration radially extending within said clamping area, at least one wrench engagement protruding nut provided on one of said side surfaces, the free end of one of said jaw portions having a threaded hole provided therein, a bolt having a threaded end positioned to be tightened in said hole and a bolt head on the opposite end, the free end of the other of said jaw portions having a passageway to permit passage of the bolt therethrough, said passageway being elongated along the longitudinal dimension of said jaw portion to permit the bolt to move radially within the passageway as it is tightened, the outer surface of said last defined jaw portion being of generally arcuate configuration, the bolt head being positioned to ride upon said arcuate outer surface as the bolt is tightened, such that the tool is positioned upon the sleeve with the vise-clamping area engaging the sleeve and the tooth engaging the slot and the bolt is tightened in the hole to draw said jaw portions together in vise-like fashion about the sleeve with the bolt head riding on said arcuate surface whereupon the tool will tightly engage the sleeve and the tooth will spread the sleeve about the slot to at least partially separate the sleeve from the rods and rotation of the tool by application of a force to said wrench engagement nut will impart rotation to said sleeve. 